Used for all types of surfaces, especially small or irregular areas. Swabs are broken into tubes containing sterile or neutralizing fluid.
To prevent this, the standard requires that sampling devices (swabs, sponges) be pre-moistened with a solution containing specific neutralizers. Common neutralizing agents include: Neutralizes quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs).
Irregular, porous, or hard-to-reach surfaces, such as gaskets, corners, or crevices. C. Sponge/Cloth Technique
The principle of the method is to isolate microorganisms from a sample on agar plates using a pour plate or surface spreading technique. The plates are then incubated under conditions that allow the microorganisms to grow. The colonies that develop on the plates are counted, and the number of microorganisms in the sample is calculated. Used for all types of surfaces, especially small
Flat, smooth, non-porous surfaces (e.g., stainless steel tables, smooth conveyor belts).
: Best for flat surfaces; an agar plate is pressed directly against the surface.
This standard is the reason that international trade in meat, dairy, and ready-to-eat salads is possible. When a truck of beef moves from Ireland to France, or chicken from Brazil to China, both countries trust the swab results because both labs used . Sponge/Cloth Technique The principle of the method is
Analysis of noroviruses or hepatitis A (covered by ISO 15216-1). ISO - International Organization for Standardization mentioned in Annex A or a comparison with national standards like EN ISO 18593? ISO 18593:2018(en), Microbiology of the food chain
To ensure a "verified" status under ISO 18593, several critical laboratory and sampling protocols must be strictly adhered to: Neutralization of Disinfectants
Enter .
For any professional seeking to implement ISO 18593, obtaining the official, verified PDF is essential to ensure access to the complete, legally correct, and up-to-date text. Using unofficial or outdated copies can lead to non-compliance, flawed procedures, and inaccurate data.
Disclaimer: Always ensure you are using the latest version of the standard authorized by ISO or your national standards body.
The moistened swab is rubbed firmly over a defined area (usually 10 cm² to 100 cm²) in horizontal and vertical directions while rotating the stick. 3. Sponges and Cloths Sponges and Cloths